The Li River (漓江, Lí Jiāng) flows 83 kilometers from Guilin to Yangshuo through the most spectacular karst landscape on earth. Limestone peaks rise dramatically from the river's emerald waters, their reflections creating a scene that has inspired Chinese painters and poets for over a thousand years. The landscape appears on the Chinese 20 RMB banknote — a testament to its status as one of China's defining natural images.
The karst landscape of the Li River was formed over 300 million years as limestone was dissolved and sculpted by water and wind. Human settlement along the river dates back over 2,000 years. The area became famous during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) when poets and painters began documenting its extraordinary beauty. The river has been a major trade route for centuries, with bamboo rafts carrying goods between Guilin and Yangshuo.
The Li River landscape represents the Chinese aesthetic ideal of 'mountains and water' (山水, shānshuǐ) — the foundation of Chinese landscape painting. The cormorant fishing tradition practiced here for over 1,000 years is one of China's most iconic cultural images. The Zhuang ethnic minority, who have lived along the river for centuries, consider the mountains sacred. The Li River was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2012.
Xingping Ancient Town
the scene depicted on the 20 RMB note; most dramatic karst scenery
Nine Horses Fresco Hill (Jiuma Huashan)
a cliff face where 9 horse shapes can be found in the rock
Yellow Cloth Shoal (Huangbu Tan)
the most photographed reflection point on the river
Yangshuo West Street
the lively international village at the end of the cruise
Yulong River
a smaller, quieter tributary ideal for bamboo raft rides
Book the official cruise online at guilinliriver.com — the ¥530 upper deck is worth it for photography
Bring your 20 RMB note and find the exact spot near Xingping where the scene was photographed
The Yulong River bamboo raft experience (¥150–200) is more intimate than the main cruise
Cormorant fishing demonstrations happen at dusk near Yangshuo — ask your hotel to arrange
Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo and cycle through the rice paddies to Moon Hill (30 minutes)
Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (direct flights from major Chinese cities). Or take high-speed train to Guilin North Station. The cruise departs from Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), 23km south of Guilin city center — take a taxi (¥60–80) or the official shuttle bus.
Longji Rice Terraces
Reed Flute Cave
Moon Hill, Yangshuo
Entry Fee
Official cruise: ¥210 (economy) to ¥530 (upper deck). Yulong River bamboo raft: ¥150–200.
Opening Hours
Cruises depart 9:00am–10:00am daily from Zhujiang Pier. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Address
Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), Yanshan Town, Guilin, Guangxi 541002
Getting There
Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (direct flights from major Chinese cities). Or take high-speed train to Guilin North Station. The cruise departs from Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), 23km south of Guilin city center — take a taxi (¥60–80) or the official shuttle bus.
Recommended Stay
1–2 Days
Best Season
Apr – Oct
Apr · May · Sep · Oct
Best weather & conditions
1–2 Days
Suggested visit length
I brought my 20 RMB note and found the exact spot near Xingping. The karst mountains, the river, the bamboo raft — it is exactly as depicted. The 4-hour cruise is meditative and beautiful. Book the upper deck for photography — the views are unobstructed.
The Li River cruise is beautiful, but the cormorant fishing demonstration at dusk near Yangshuo is the highlight. The fishermen with their trained birds on bamboo rafts, the karst silhouettes against the orange sky — it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.
The main Li River cruise is beautiful but crowded. The Yulong River bamboo raft experience is more intimate, quieter, and equally stunning. Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo and cycle through the rice paddies — the landscape is extraordinary and the pace is perfect.
Entry Fee
Official cruise: ¥210 (economy) to ¥530 (upper deck). Yulong River bamboo raft: ¥150–200.
Opening Hours
Cruises depart 9:00am–10:00am daily from Zhujiang Pier. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Address
Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), Yanshan Town, Guilin, Guangxi 541002
Best Time
April–October. Spring mist (April–May) creates the most atmospheric conditions
Duration
4–5 hours for the main Guilin–Yangshuo cruise. 1–2 days total
Location
Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Entry Fee
Official cruise: ¥210–¥530 depending on boat class
Cruise Type
Book the official government cruise — avoid private speedboats which miss the best scenery
Photography
Best light is morning. The Xingping section (matching the 20 RMB note) is the most photogenic
7,340 reviews
Recommended stay
Best Time
April–October. Spring mist (April–May) creates the most atmospheric conditions
Duration
4–5 hours for the main Guilin–Yangshuo cruise. 1–2 days total
Location
Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Entry Fee
Official cruise: ¥210–¥530 depending on boat class
Cruise Type
Book the official government cruise — avoid private speedboats which miss the best scenery
Photography
Best light is morning. The Xingping section (matching the 20 RMB note) is the most photogenic
Entry Fee
Official cruise: ¥210 (economy) to ¥530 (upper deck). Yulong River bamboo raft: ¥150–200.
Opening Hours
Cruises depart 9:00am–10:00am daily from Zhujiang Pier. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Address
Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), Yanshan Town, Guilin, Guangxi 541002
Get expert guidance on visiting — from the best time to go to hidden spots most tourists miss.
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